What is a Presbyterian?
Trinity is a church in the Presbyterian tradition. Our congregation is a member congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Many people come to Trinity from other Christian traditions, from non-denominational backgrounds, and often without any background in Christianity at all, and rightly wonder what it means that Trinity is a Presbyterian Church. While Trinity desires to emphasize that we are first and foremost a Christian church and stand together with all churches that love the Bible and look to Jesus for salvation, there are nevertheless three ways in which our Presbyterian tradition gives Trinity a distinct character:
The way we organize our church: Presbyterian polity;
Our theology: reformed and covenantal;
Our posture towards our culture: gracious and transformational.
Historial Summary
Until the Reformation in the 16th century, all Christian churches in the West were united under/as the Roman Catholic Church. Having wrestled with what he saw as contradictions between the teaching of the Bible and the traditions of the church, in 1517 Martin Luther shared his Ninety-Five Theses, hoping to call the church back to the Bible’s teaching. Unfortunately his attempts at reform were not welcomed by the Roman Catholic Church, and the Protestant churches separated from the Roman Church in Europe, and we have seen this fragmentation continue and even accelerate to the present day. Because of this, many people are confused about–or even suspicious of–different denominations. Historically, denominations have served to train and credential pastors and elders, and enable local churches to work together in local and foreign missions.
At the time of the Protestant Reformation, the Presbyterian tradition emerged in Scotland under the leadership of John Knox. Knox was a Scottish pastor who played a pivotal role in reforming the church in Scotland. He studied under John Calvin in Geneva and was heavily influenced by Calvin's theology, which he would later bring back to Scotland. Knox was a prominent figure in the Scottish Reformation, preaching and writing extensively against Catholic practices and beliefs. He played a key role in establishing the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, which rejected the authority of bishops and advocated for a democratic form of church government. Knox's preaching and writings had a significant impact on Scottish society, shaping its religious and political landscape for generations to come, as well as on the Presbyterian tradition worldwide.
Presbyterian Church Government
Perhaps the most basic thing to point out about presbyterianism is the meaning of the word “presbyterian.” The word comes from the New Testament Greek word “presbuteros,” which means “elder.” Several passages in the New Testament indicate that the Apostles’ strategy for establishing congregations in the early church was to gather a congregation and appoint elders to lead them. The Book of Acts records Paul’s three missionary journeys, where he traveled throughout the Roman world establishing new congregations, and indicates that he understood his work of church planting to be finished when a church had its own elders. Paul also writes instructions to younger pastors, Timothy and Titus, giving them instructions on who should be appointed as elders to lead in their churches.
So, a Presbyterian church is one that is led by elders. Local congregations are shepherded by the pastor and elders (collectively called “the session”), the churches in a geographical region are overseen by the presbytery, and the presbyteries are overseen by the General Assembly. These three levels of church government ensure accountability and connection for churches, pastors, and elders, and make it easy for multiple churches to work together to do missions work locally and abroad.
Presbyterian church government is distinct from the other two forms of government found in Christian churches: episcopal and congregational. Episcopal government, which is found in Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and Anglican denominations, places Bishops and archbishops in supervision of pastors, priests, and congregations. Congregational churches may be lead solely by a pastor, or by elders of a particular church, either way maintaining autonomy from other congregations. While there are advantages to each of these three forms of church government, Presbyterianism provides checks and balances which support and protect church members. In a time when the abuse of power by leaders in positions of authority is a common reality, the structure of Presbyterian churches tends to guard against the abuses of power encountered in other contexts. Additionally, the connectionism inherent in Presbyterianism facilitates partnership across congregations, and provides connection to the historic and global church.
For more on Presbyterian government and history, see this article by Nick Batzig.
Presbyterian Theology: Covenantal and Reformed
In addition to a church structure that is led by elders, Presbyterian churches are distinct in our theological understanding of the Bible. Reformed theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life and the authority of the Bible to inform our faith and practice. Our theological views are summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith. Reformed theology teaches that humans are fallen and incapable of saving themselves, and it affirms that salvation is entirely the work of God's grace. Reformed theology also emphasizes the importance of Scripture as the ultimate source of authority for faith and practice.
Covenant theology is a key aspect of Reformed theology. It views God's relationship with humanity as a series of covenants or agreements, starting with the covenant made with Adam in the Garden of Eden. These covenants are seen as progressive and they build upon each other, culminating in the new covenant established through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Covenantal theology emphasizes the idea of a covenant community, where believers are united with Christ and with one another. It stresses the importance of living in covenant faithfulness to God and experiencing the blessings and responsibilities that come with being part of God's covenant people. Covenant theology helps us read the entirety of the Bible as a unified story of God’s grace coming to us in Jesus Christ.
For more on covenant theology, see this short introduction by Sinclair Ferguson.
In summary, Reformed and covenantal theology are theological perspectives that are central to our identity as a church which emphasize the grace of God moving towards us in Christ, and the centrality of the gospel to all of life.
Our posture towards our culture: gracious and transformational
Finally, our Presbyterian tradition gives us the resources to have a generous and gracious stance towards our culture without falling into the opposing ditches of fundamentalism or assimilation.
Abraham Kuyper, a renowned Dutch theologian, pastor, and former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, famously wrote “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’” This emphasizes the importance of integrating Christian principles into all areas of life, calling for active engagement rather than withdrawal, encouraging Christians to participate in politics, education, the arts, and other institutions, promoting justice, righteousness, and the common good. In such places Christians act as agents of change, applying our faith in every aspect of our lives. Through our recognition of the antithesis between Christian and non-Christian perspectives on the world, we are inspired to foster transformation through the empowering grace of Christ's lordship. Nevertheless, it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach, characterized by humility, as we honor and respect the rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs within society.
Contemporary sociologist (and Christian) James Davison Hunter emphasizes the importance of Christians being fully present in the world, faithfully embodying the teachings of Christ in their interactions and engagements. This approach prioritizes the character and attitude of Christians in cultural engagement rather than seeking to take control of our culture. “Faithful presence” acknowledges the complexity of culture and recognizes lasting change often occurs gradually, through relationships and small acts of faithfulness. It calls Christians to cultivate virtues such as love, humility, and compassion as they engage with different cultural contexts. By embodying these virtues, Christians can influence our families, neighborhoods, and cities in a way that reflects God's character and values.
A generous Christian approach to the world around us allows us to live with nuance in a world that is often pushed to one extreme or the other by the culture wars. With the resources of our rich theological tradition emphasizing God’s sovereignty over all things, and the conventional relationships central to our church structure, Trinity seeks to be a gracious and generous presence in the heart of San Luis Obispo.
Further Resources:
“Why Being in a Denomination Like the PCA is a Good Thing” By Sean Lucas
“What Is Presbyterianism?” By Nick Batzig
“What is covenant theology?” By Sinclair Ferguson
For a Continuing Church: The Roots of the Presbyterian Church in America, by Sean Lucas
To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World, by James Davison Hunter
Lectures on Calvinism, by Abraham Kuyper